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Temporary Buy Down

There is an infrequently-used mortgage program available that could be the solution to a buyer’s or seller’s problem.

A temporary buydown is fixed rate mortgage that the seller has prepaid interest at closing to lower the payments for a number of years. The borrower must qualify at the note rate but gets the benefit of lower payments for the early years.

A 2/1 is a common buydown that the first year’s payment is calculated at 2% lower than the note rate and the second year’s payment is calculated at 1% lower than the note rate. The third through thirtieth years’ payments are the note rate.

Let’s set the scene. A buyer is using their available cash for down payment and closing costs to get into the home. They’d like to put their own touches on the home when they move in but may not be able to for a year or two since most of their cash was used.

In this example, a $250,000 home is purchased with a 3.5% down payment and a 4% mortgage for 30-years. Normally, the principal and interest payment would be $1,151.76 for the full 30-year term. If the seller will pay the lender $4,736 at closing, it can be applied to pre-pay part of the interest for the first two years.

The first year, the buyer’s P&I payment will be $891.71 for 12 months based on a 2% interest rate or 2% lower than the 4% note rate. It is $260.06 lower per month in the first year. The second year, the buyer’s P&I payment will be $1,017.12 for the next 12 months based on a 3% interest rate or 1% lower than the 4% note rate. It is $134.64 lower per month in the second year.

A bonus for the buyer will be that the cost of the buydown paid at closing by the seller becomes prepaid interest that is deductible by the buyer in the year of purchase. The buyer gets lower than normal payments for the first two years and a sizable tax deduction.

This type of program can be very beneficial to a seller who wants to offer terms to improve the marketability of their home rather than lower the price. The challenge will be explaining it to not only potential buyers but even agents who are not familiar with this program.

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Born and Raised on Oahu my approach to the real estate business is different than most agents working in the industry today. The average agent sells fewer than 7 homes a year while attempting to manage every aspect of the business all by themselves. This approach allows them very little time working directly with buyers and sellers because they are so overwhelmed with all the busy work that is required behind the scenes. My system allows me to spend 90% of my time working directly with clients who want to buy and sell real estate today and in the very near future.
Here at John Riggins Real Estate we have been helping families move since 1977. We specialize in the Aiea to Kapolei area but not limited to Ewa Beach area. To see all the great ways we help buyers and to view what differentiates us from the typical realtor in the area, visit http://tinyurl.com/clientsuccessstorys
Because of Ryan's Military Relocation Expertise, Ryan's success revolves around that same simple principle his Mother and Father instilled in him; serving those who serve our country. His track record shows that he puts his clients first and in a high paced market, he is making VA loans work for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. With previous clients ranging from E-5's to 04's, Ryan is ready and willing to make sure all those who have served our country, have every opportunity to own their piece of it.
For the majority of people the purchase or sale of a home is their largest single investment. My goal is to guide you successfully and easily through the contractual, investment, and emotional decisions involved in the Real Estate process. I am committed to providing you, your family and your friends with superior service and expertise and to make it the most memorable purchase of your life.